Region builds up number of apprentices
THE Darling Downs is leading the state’s apprenticeship numbers, with employers hiring a rate of five trade apprentices per 100 workers last year.
The 2018 CSQ apprentice annual report showed regional Queensland had the strongest appetite for construction apprentices with Toowoomba listed as one of the main hiring hubs.
Fourth year Toowoomba carpentry apprentice Ashley Walker said she wasn’t surprised the speciality was popular.
“It’s the most rewarding and there is plenty of work in it,” Ms Walker said.
“Australia’s population is growing every day and they need places to live.”
Ms Walker is currently working in construction, her apprenticeship facilitated by Golden West.
“Growing up I was raised by a single mum in the country,” she said.
“She did a lot of renovation, so I always had tools in my hands - as far back as I can remember.
“I really enjoyed the work and I thought it would be satisfying to stand back and look at something you have built - you can’t do that with many jobs.”
Ms Walker said she highly recommended an apprenticeship as an after-school option.
CSQ Chief Executive Officer Brett Schimming said the research showed that construction apprentices achieved better outcomes than any other group by age 25, both in pay and likelihood of being employed.
“Someone who completed a trade apprenticeship earned, on average, $70,000 compared to $63,000 for university graduates at age 25, and were 19 per cent more likely to be employed full-time by age 25,” Mr Schimming said.
“These findings should be encouraging to those school-leavers who have decided to not follow a university pathway - there are many different training and career options available to help you achieve your goals.
“An apprenticeship, which allows you to earn while you learn, is an excellent option.”
CSQ and Golden West Apprenticeships have resources and information for those considering a training pathway.